Climbing in Mexico

I had the privilege of spending two weeks in El Potrero Chico, Mexico. The weather was phenomenal, the people were amazing, and God worked in beautiful ways. I enjoyed lots of great climbing, a slower pace of life, ministry opportunities with Solid Rock Climbers for Christ, and a renewed sense of vision and passion for the coming season on the road.

My new friend Hannah North, on a 7-pitch route called Satori.Dottie, myself, Abel & Roger at the entrance to the Potrero, attempting to hand out water, juice and cookies to climbers before the dogs (Floppy, Biscuit, Sparky & Genevieve) ate the cookies!

Solid Rock member Roger Kubly shared the good news of Christ with Abel from Hidalgo, Mexico.
Abel was excited to hear and accept it!

Leading my hardest on-sight yet: Fat Boy Slim (5.11b, sport) - Yeehaw!

My host and friend, Dottie Cross with part of our favorite Mexican family- Esau & Deveny.

Climbing friends from Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, and Ontario : )

Dating God's Way

Well, folks, it's true. The girl who didn't date for ten years actually found somebody special!
I met Brian a few years ago in Virginia, and we recently started dating. He's a guy who loves Jesus first and foremost. We pray that our relationship strengthens each of us to serve God and others better than we would on our own. It will be challenging with me on the road and him in Virginia, but God can do amazing things. I mean, he is God after all!

Home Sweet Home

home (noun) -the place where one lives permanently; -the family or social unit occupying such a place; -a place where something flourishes, is most typically found or originates.

In the past two years of wandering, I have explored the definition of "home" a bit more thoroughly. Is it really a place? Is it a feeling? Is it the people? All of these aspects contribute to a home environment. I have found temporary "homes" along my journey: captivating places of natural beauty that I return to again and again, the nomadic community of outdoor educators, churches I have been a part of, and family members that I have visited.

This winter I came back to the place where I originated from in the hope of being renewed in an environment surrounded by loved ones. Here in Virginia I have enjoyed time with my immediate family, my church family, and my climbing family (at the local gym). I have been so blessed and refreshed by my time with them, yet this is not the place I "belong" anymore. The hustle and bustle of the DC area does not bring peace to my heart.

I do look forward to "settling down" in a physical place that I can call home someday. However, it has become more and more apparent to me that I will never truly find that place here on earth, because the place I originate, flourish, and dwell most often is with God in Heaven. I like the last sentence of Oxford's definition of home: "a place where something flourishes." That is what a home should be.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
Psalm 84:10

Happy New Year 2008!

Nate, Brian, Saro & Erin

Erin, Brian & I

As midnight approached, we worshipped in song and shared communion to begin the new year. May God be glorified on earth in 2008!

Road Trip - Virginia or Bust!

On December 15, 2007 we left sunny 29 Palms, CA for a 3,000 mile adventure across the nation. I traveled and climbed across the country with a friend and fellow Outward Bound instructor, Scott Shepherd, who was also headed to Virginia to be with family for the holidays.
Destination #1: Lunch with my aunt and uncle in Pheonix, AZ.
We had a great time visiting, and then my aunt loaded us up with goodies for our journey. As we were traveling on a budget, we only ended up only having to stop at one grocery and one fast food place on the whole eight day trip. Thanks Aunt Sylvia!
Destination #2: Climbing in Cochise Stronghold (AZ) with friend and local climber Justin.
I was awestruck at the beauty and majesty of the rock and surrounding scenery. We could have stayed and explored for weeks, but I admit, it was cold!
Destination #3: Enchanted Rocks State Park, Texas
We enjoyed going for runs in warmer weather after a lot of driving, and a mellow day of bouldering (sometimes it's nice to leave all that gear behind), followed by a couple of trad routes the next day.
Destination #3.5: We drove an hour and a half to stay with an old friend of Scott's in Austin, TX. We enjoyed a night out on the town with live music in Austin before we started the last leg of our journey.
Destination #4: Blacksburg, VA
Done with our climbing, we decided to high-tail it: 19 hours straight for home! We had plenty of coffee, good discussions, silly radio sing-alongs, and road trip games to keep us awake.
Destination #5: My parents home in Alexandria, VA
After dropping Scott off in Blacksburg (and a good nap), I drove the last 4 hours home to spend Christmas with my family.

Solid Rock Climbers for Christ

It was a privilege to be on the road with Solid Rock this past fall. I was encouraged and impressed by the Christian climbers I met at Joshua Tree (CA) and Red Rocks (Las Vegas, NV). We met together to climb and fellowship, and to share the love of God with the climbing community. In breathtakingly beautiful settings, it was my "job" to share the best news I've ever heard, the coming of Jesus Christ, with people from all over the world. How cool is that? I thank God for an amazing fall season, and all of the people who helped to make it possible!

Climbing in Joshua Tree with Solid Rock member, Travis Wilcox

Solid Rock Coffee Outreach

Solid Rock members worship together in Red Rocks

John is camping out and working in Las Vegas to earn money for his family back in Chicago. He was grateful for the opportunity for fellowship.

The Klein family, Kurt Wedberg and myself at 13 Mile Campground

Climbing with Friends

This past fall I had the opportunity to spend time with some amazing people. Most of them work for Outward Bound or other wilderness education programs. Whether we were climbing, sitting around the campfire, or making dinner together, we enjoyed sharing our lives and appreciating the beauty around us.
Here are some highlights:

Jess staying warm between climbs at JTree

Climbing Wantanobi Wall (my hardest trad lead in JTree)
Ralph & Mick around the campfire before a crazy game of charadesWe attempted to escape the downpour at Hidden Valley Campground by hopping into Mick's Volkswagen

Mick and I always settled our disagreements like adultsCori, Mick, Liam, and I after a day of climbing in Red Rocks

Thanksgiving

Photo: Me and my big bro : )

As we drove back from Thanksgiving at my aunt & uncle's home,
we listed what we are grateful for. I am thankful for:

-forgiveness, grace, and freedom afforded to me by Jesus Christ
-a loving, supportive and generous family
-my friends, who I can be myself around
-the abundance that exists here in the US:
I never lack food, water, clothing, shelter, or any other needs
-the beauty and complexity of the natural world
-little things: cups of tea, walks on the beach, dogs, good chats
-people and circumstances that challenge me
-the way God always provides
-diversity
-music
-climbing
-good health & the ability to run, jump & play
-my car/home
-my work: being able to make a difference in the lives of others
-my computer & e-mail (which keep me connected)
-dancing
-fellowship with other followers of Christ
-giving: bringing joy to others and glory to God

JTree Photos

Chadwick Outdoor Ed Instructors

Jess visiting my cube...
office space is hard to come by on the road!

The welcome desert glow of sunset

Quality girl time: Jess, Hana and myself
climbing in costume on Halloween

Outward Bound Women's Rock Rendezvous

You gotta love climbing with twenty other amazing women who work for Outward Bound! The rock rendezvous provided a safe and unique environment for women to enjoy one another and the rock, and to grow and challenge their own perceived limits. Last year, it was a chance for me to gain more confidence in my trad leading. This year, it was my pleasure to empower other women to do the same. There was a lot of laughter, energy, and gratitude for such a unique program offered to Outward Bound staff. Many of these women have become my dear friends, and together we are each other's families when we work courses or live at base camp together. I treasured my time with these awesome ladies!